Rahayu Supanggah (Indonesia)

" Supanggah's musical efforts encompass both preservation of traditional works for gamelan ensemble and fresh compositions that push the instruments in new directions." Seattle Times

With more than 100 original scores to his name, Rahayu Supanggah is one of Indonesia's most prolific composers and artists in Central Javanese gamelan music. He is best known for his collaborations with legendary British director Peter Brook in Mahabharata (1994), with Singapore's Ong Ken Sen in Lear (1995) and with Robert Wilson in La Galigo (2004). Born into a family of puppet masters (dalang), Supanggah's early exposure to the arts led him to study gamelan at the Karawitan Conservatory (KOKAR). At 16, he performed internationally to audiences in China, Japan and Korea. Following his time at the currently known Indonesian Fine Arts Institute (ISI), he went to France to pursue a doctorate in ethnomusicology. Over the years, Supanggah has lectured all over the world and has published many influential articles on gamelan music and theory.

He has also been credited as being directly involved in introducing gamelan abroad, namely the UK. His intensive experiences overseas and collaborations with international artists have had a significant impact on his music—one that evolved from his strong roots in Central Javanese tradition and foreign influences.

Currently he directs the post-graduate department at STSI where he teaches composition and aesthetics.

IN CONVERSATION WITH Rahayu Supanggah (Indonesia)
Gamelan Music and its Development in the Javanese and Western Context
Moderated by Joyce Teo
Master gamelan musician and composer Rahayu Supanggah will impart his deep knowledge of this Javanese art form. At this talk, he will explain what traditional gamelan music is and discuss its spread and appreciation. He will also elaborate on the transposing of gamelan music to Western music forms.
2 Jun 2012, Sat, 11am (1hr)
Esplanade Recital Studio